Feeding Baby When You're Away

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just lunch out with the girls, here's how to ensure your baby is well nourished while you're gone.

Hurray! You've finally gotten your baby’s feeding routine down to a science: You can have your sweetie latch on with your eyes closed or prep a bottle of formula in a flash, elicit a burp on demand, and watch with satisfaction as your little one falls asleep with a milky smile on her face. Now the task is to learn how to make sure she's well nourished even when you're not around. It’s a juggling act, no doubt about it — but there’s no reason to stay home until your little one is weaned! Really, Mom, you can make it work!

Breastfed Babies

The key to success? Knowing how and when to pump. Start off by buying the right breast pump: While a less-expensive manual version works for some moms, if you plan to be away often (and especially if you’re going back to work) you’ll appreciate the speed and ease of a high-quality electric pump. Then, before your first outing, pump enough (try between regula rfeedings) to fill one or two bottles to keep as a backup. And when you’re away from your baby for more than a couple of hours, pump on the go, pulling out the pump each time your little one would normally be nursing; this will allow you to keep up your milk supply and avoid any discomfort from engorgement. You may find that pumping yields less milk than breastfeeding — so, if you’re storing up for later, pump more often. Breast milk stays fresh for up to four days in the fridge or for three to four months in the freezer (six months in a deep freezer). If you don’t think you’ll be using your milk within a few days, then, freeze for later in plastic bags designed especially for storing breast milk (make sure to write the date on the outside of the bags!). Here, a few more feeding tips based on the length of your trip to ensure you and your little one will sail through your next outing.

One to two hours. If you’re headed out for a quick bite or a pedicure and plan to be away from your baby for just a couple of hours, the best plan is to nurse immediately before you leave and then again when you return. Since most newborns can go two to three hours between feedings, you shouldn't have to tote your breast pump along. If this is your first time away from your baby and you’re concerned she’ll need to nurse sooner than the three-hour mark, try to head home on the earlier side. After a few similar short outings you’ll get a handle on the timing that works best for both of you. Also make sure to have one or two backup bottles prepared at home for your sitter, just in case you get stuck in traffic or are otherwise delayed (you wouldn't want to come home to a crying, starving baby!).

Three to four hours. If you’re planning a well-deserved half-day of shopping with your sister or a couple of doctors’ appointments and expect to be away from your baby for three to four hours, you will need to plan in advance. To prepare, pump three to four days before the event after each morning feeding, when milk supply is usually abundant, and store the stash in the fridge. If your baby will be fed the frozen breast milk you’ve already stored in the freezer, then thaw out the goods in the fridge or under warm tap water (frozen breast milk shouldn't be microwaved — the heat can destroy nutrients) before you leave. While you’re out, you’ll probably need to break away to pump (look for a restroom or any other private space with an electrical outlet). Store your pumped milk in a cooler with ice packs to bring home to your baby (and then nurse her upon your return). To be sure your baby has enough to eat — and to banish any stress you may feel about being away from her — leave behind an extra “just in case” bottle. If she doesn’t drink it, you can always pop it in the freezer for the next time you’re away (just remember never to refreeze breast milk if it’s already been frozen and thawed).

A full day. Whether you’re at an all-day wedding that stretches late into the evening or embarking on your first full day back to work, you’ll need to stockpile your milk in advance, then pump each time your baby would feed while you’re away. (Again, the idea is to mimic her schedule as closely as you can to avoid engorgement and to keep up your supply.) Store your pumped milk in a fridge (if it’s available) or in a cooler with several ice packs. Before you return to work, ask your human-resources department about a private place to pump — many workplaces have an empty office, a large supply closet, or a separate space near the bathroom (in fact, the Affordable Care Act requires employers to provide “reasonable break time” for employees to pump — and the employer must provide a place other than a bathroom for moms to do so). And when it’s time to pump on the job bring along a picture of your baby: Some women find their milk lets down better when they look at their sweetie while pumping.

Overnight. Approach a special night at a bed-and-breakfast or quick business trip that requires a night away from home in much the same way as a full day’s absence. Calculate how many feedings you’ll miss and how much milk you’ll need to keep in your “bank,” then start preparing at least a week in advance so you leave behind enough milk. And when it’s time for your trip, hit the road with your breast pump, pump at the same times you’d normally be breastfeeding your bambino at home, and store the bottles or bags in a fridge or freezer.

A weekend. That girls’ trip is finally here! If you’re planning to be away for more than a day, your best bet is, again, to stockpile in advance and also to set up a pumping plan for the duration of your trip so you can stay organized. Schedule those massages, lunch dates, and tennis games wisely, since you’ll want to pump each time your baby normally settles down for a feeding. Taking to the friendly skies? The Transportation Security Administration is finally on a mama’s side and has now eased up on the amount of liquids moms can bring through security. At least returning with pumped milk shouldn't be a problem! Pumping on a plane, however, is a bit trickier, as you’ll have to monopolize the restroom for a stretch. If there’s an outlet by your seat (and your pump isn't on the noisy side) you might want to throw a blanket over your arm and pump in your seat.

Formula-Fed Babies

Ifyou’re using formula, nourishing your munchkin when you’re away is easier, though it’s just as hard to be parted from her — even for a short time. Before you go, be sure to prep enough bottles for your little one’s caregiver and explain how to best give them to her (i.e., don’t prop up the bottle, burp her every couple of ounces, and discard any unused portion). And don’t forget to heap on those extra hugs when you return home! Your cutie’s been waiting for them!

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